rahulkb32

Hey Guy, I have a 2008 Acura RDX with very few miles approx. 35,000 (sucks thats its still not under warranty ) Recently i have been getting this yellowish/orange sign saying "Check Airbag System". This has been happening for couple months where the problem would occur for 3 days then go away for a 1 month and come for 3 days and go again but for the past 2 weeks the sign has stayed on the dashboard. I went to a guy who know who can check the errors and told me its error code 31-21 which means " high Resistance In Driver Side Impact Air Bag Module " Thats all he helped me out with. I called Acura and they said they would take $150 to just check it and plus whatever amount to fix it. Before i went that route i wanted some advice from the experts here? Is there a easy fix? Is it a sensor issue and if so, the price and can it be fixed without getting the dealership involved? Basically any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

rahulkb32

Meant to Hey Guys, not talking to one particular guy anyone can help and also sorry for some grammatical errors.

737 Jock

It's a valid trouble code. Now you have to determine what's causing the electrical resistance.

To troubleshoot DTC 31-21, you (or a shop) need:

SRS simulator lead 070AZ-SNAA300 about $48
SRS simulator inflator 07SAZ-TB4011A about $88

There are 4 possibilities:

1. Fix weak electrical connection.
2. Replace damaged SRS wire harness.
3. Replace failed side airbag.
4. Replace failed SRS controller.

Since the side airbag is in the driver seat, where it is subject to constant movement and jostling, there is a fair chance that it is a only a weak connection or worn wire harness.

rahulkb32

First of all, I wanna Thank You 737 Jock for the advice. So the question that i have now is what is good route to go should i buy the stuff (the price estimate you gave seem correct based on some sites) and take it to the shop and hope they know what there doing. Or do you think it might be a better idea to go to the Acura dealership, and if i go that route any idea on the estimate they might give to fix it? Lastly, if i was to get those two things you think I can try at it and fix the situation?

dcmodels

If you go to Acura, you will not need to buy any test parts - the dealer should have them. And if you are asking about going to an independent shop, I personally do not like to do that for SRS system work - but that is up to you - and I guess you are asking about buying the test equipment for use by the indy shop? that cost would cover most or all of the diagnosis cost at an Acura dealer.

Best to just ask the dealer about this problem, and let them tell you their estimate - you can think about it before you do anything. It does not cost anything to go to the dealer, discuss things, and ask.

Most people have problems with electrical problems including sometimes the dealer techs, so it mostly depends upon your own confidence and skills.

At the least, you will want to know how to disable the SRS system, before you start any disassembly or testing. Consider the cost of replacing even one air-bag, if you accidentally set it off. I say this not to discourage you, but to suggest that you think carefully before proceeding.

Or you can begin by a careful examination of the seat and underdash area, where the wiring is located, to try to determine if there is any obvious rubbing wear, or wire harness wear.

Depending upon how you enter and exit your vehicle, the outer bottom seat bolster and outer upper seat bolster (side of seat) may show that the foam is compressing or there are creases on the leather, etc. which might affect any parts underneath the leather.

Or look under the seat bottom for any wire loom wear, loose connections, etc. Move the seat both fully forward and fully back, and look as best as you can.

If you do plan to try a fix yourself, I can only recommend obtaining a copy of the FSM (factory service manual).

Mr Marco

Consider the danger as well. Automotive airbags deploy anywhere from 200-300 mph!!!

737 Jock

It is not particularly difficult work, but it is absolutely critical that the directions are followed exactly. The Factory Service manual is essential.

Depending on what is wrong, the driver seat may have to be removed. It took me about a day to get my driver seat out and back in for seat heater replacement.

A. Are you a DIYer with tools, experience and aptitude?

B. Do you research the internet thoroughly and obtain repair manuals first?

C. Do you routinely perform auto maintenance?

D. Do you follow instructions EXACTLY?

If the answer to any of the above is "no", then the Supplemental Restraint System is NOT the place to start learning.

A. Do you look for shortcuts?

B. Do you start repairs with a six-pack?

C. Are you fond of the expression "git 'er done!"?

If the answer to any of the above is "yes", then DON'T F#@K with the Supplemental Restraint System!

737 Jock

Thoughtfully consider dcmodels excellent advice.

Plenty of competent DIYers have repaired their Supplemental Restraint Systems. They have the repair manual, get the tools and take their time.

If you plan to take it to a shop, interview several places. You already have the fault code and the expected solutions. Get estimates and talk directly to the tech, NOT the service writer.

A dealership is most likely to screw it up. Look for an independant Honda specialist.

Mr Marco

A Stealership is most likely to overcharge, any shop could "screw it up."

MikeDeca

Whenever I have something about 100lbs or under (Dog or Niece) in the front seat the sensor will come on and send me a message. If thats your issue, then its just the car shutting off the passenger air bag when it detects a non person for lack of a better word or a juvenile (which should not be in the front seat to begin with) in the front seat.

wessyk87

There's a TSB for this, basically the SRS harness has a few plugs that don't hold tight enough and cause the system to momentarily lose contact causing code to pop. See attachment, fix is expensive....

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6qs...it?usp=sharing

Nyjumpman23

There's a reason why i love the forums.
I just had this pop up on me also. harness issue.

innateone

This just happened to my girlfriends 2007. So what is the final cost at the dealer?

Kato

I was just quoted $1003-1300 from the local dealership.

Has anyone done this themselves yet? Was it difficult to do? The TSB looks like the entire interior needs to be removed or at least most of it.

Dominic Galipeau

Anyone have did themselves this TSB ?
If yes, how long does it take for a well equipped mechanic ?


I have this code in a RDX 2008